The hunt is on for a gang of blockheaded thieves who stole more than 25 tonnes of sandstone slabs on the weekend from the side of one of Lake Macquarie's busiest roads.
Lake Macquarie City Council is seeking public information to help track down the bandits, who made off with 23 huge sandstone blocks installed in July beside The Esplanade at Speers Point.
The rectangular blocks, each weighing about 1.1 tonnes and measuring 2m x 50cm, were installed to prevent parking alongside the road near the Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility.
Council Manager Assets Dayne Harris said it would have taken a team of people equipped with at least one truck and lifting equipment to remove so many blocks.
"It's an incredibly brazen robbery," he said.
"This is right beside The Esplanade, which is a relatively busy road right around the clock."
"Chances are that with so many blocks, they would have either needed more than one truck, or would have had to make multiple trips there and back to steal them and unload them elsewhere."
The stolen blocks were only recently installed at the site.
Mr Harris said it would cost about $10,000 to replace and reinstall them.
"Hopefully someone has seen them in action, or maybe has dashcam footage of the theft taking place," he said.
Work is underway to obtain replacement blocks.
In the meantime, temporary water-filled barriers will be placed along the stretch where the stolen blocks were installed to restrict access.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
